The Democratic Party and the People Power Party engaged in a heated exchange during a National Assembly hearing of the Legislative Judiciary Committee on October 8, regarding the suspension of speaking rights by Chairperson Seo Young-kyu on October 6. The People Power Party criticized the action as "politics of silencing opposition members," while the ruling coalition, including the Democratic Party, Justice Party, and Progressive Party, defended it as "a necessary measure."
Before the hearing began, tensions flared over Seo's decision to suspend the speaking rights of People Power Party member Kim Tae-kyu. Kwak Gyu-taek, a fellow member of the People Power Party, opened the discussion by stating that there is no precedent for suspending the speaking rights of opposition members. He questioned, "If the chairperson suspends speaking rights whenever the opposition raises any objections, how can the hearing proceed?"
In response, Seo defended her decision, stating that Kim had made derogatory remarks about the late former President Roh Moo-hyun while suggesting a film be made about 'Bu-eong-i Rock,' the site of Roh's death. She asserted that the suspension was justified.
Kim Tae-kyu expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, "Demanding an apology based solely on my comments is biased conduct." Despite Seo's explanation, members of the ruling coalition intensified their criticism of Kim. Son Sol, a member of the Progressive Party, argued, "The main reason for the suspension was that he interrupted a fellow member's speech. He should reflect on his actions."
Kim Yong-min, a member of the Democratic Party, emphasized, "Kim Tae-kyu should be decisively removed. It is shameful and disgraceful for him to be here. He has no right to sit in this assembly, and action must be taken."
Earlier, during the October 6 hearing, Kim had suggested making a film about 'Bu-eong-i Rock,' which sparked backlash from the ruling coalition. In response to the criticism, he retorted, "Did I get scratched by 'Bu-eong-i Rock'?" Ultimately, Seo described Kim's comments as "unutterable" and suspended his speaking rights.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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